AGP Executive Report

Digital Skills Push: Central Equatoria launched the DISK programme to set up digital skills centres in Juba and Yei, aiming to train 8,000+ youth, women, civil servants and entrepreneurs. Mobile Tariffs Update: South Sudan’s telecom regulator approved a second phase of mobile tariff exchange-rate adjustments, effective 26 July, after consultations with operators and stakeholders. Land Governance Tech & Policy: The South Sudan National Land Coalition says political interference is driving illegal land acquisition, calling for faster passage of the Land Bill and stronger public awareness to protect community rights. Elections & Civic Safety: A new study warns South Sudan must overhaul constitutional and security arrangements, expand civic education, and tackle hate speech to reduce electoral violence risk. UNESCO Conservation: UNESCO inscribed the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, spotlighting South Sudan’s wildlife corridors and the Great Nile migration ecosystem. Ebola Watch (Regional): Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged to become the second-largest on record, with WHO urging major scaling up of response efforts.

Digital Finance: A new deep-dive looks at how South Sudan’s fintech is growing in a pro-cash economy where formal banking is limited, trust is fragile, and conflict/displacement shape how people move and save money. Elections & Peace Process: South Sudan’s peace sponsors are said to be jittery as Juba kicks off preparations for the December voter drive, following amendments to the 2018 peace deal that removed links to constitution-making and the census—while critics warn institutions are weak and civic education is thin. Mobile Sector Regulation: South Sudan’s regulator has approved a second mobile tariff hike, with major operators signaling the change is now in effect. Digital Skills: Central Equatoria plans a five-year Digital Innovation for Skills and Knowledge (DISK) programme, aiming to train 8,000+ people via three digital skills centres in Juba and Yei. Connectivity & Health Tech Link: MTN Uganda’s Y’ello Storm campaign reached Gulu with hospital support—mattresses, protective covers, and mosquito nets—showing how telecom outreach is being tied to community health needs. Ebola Watch (Regional): Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,500 cases, with response hampered by contact-tracing gaps and the lack of an approved vaccine for this strain; India also reports screening travelers arriving from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Conservation & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, spotlighting wildlife corridors tied to the Great Nile migration ecosystem. Trade & Logistics Lesson: A report on China’s Xiamen port reforms highlights a 30% cut in customs clearance time through digitising port operations and simplifying procedures—an approach South Sudan’s regionally connected trade push could learn from. Industrial Inputs: An industrial chemical supplier, Tello General Trading, launched in Juba to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment, and pest control.

Digital Finance & Cash Economy: South Sudan’s fintech push is framed as an access problem, not just convenience—formal banking is thin, trust is fragile, and conflict/displacement shape how people move and store money. Elections & Peace Process Tech/Systems: After amendments to the 2018 peace deal, South Sudan is gearing up for December elections, but peace monitors warn weak institutions, insecurity, and limited civic education could deepen splits. Mobile Tariffs & Connectivity: South Sudan’s regulator approved a second mobile tariff hike, affecting major operators and the cost of staying connected. Digital Skills in Central Equatoria: The DISK programme will set up three digital skills centres (Juba and Yei) to train 8,000+ youth, women, civil servants, and entrepreneurs. Industrial Supply for Oil & Water: Tello General Trading launched in Juba to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment, and pest control—supporting downstream and municipal needs. Health Tech & Regional Risk: India reported screening of 10,974 international passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, including South Sudan, with no cases detected so far. Ebola Watch (DRC): The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC has surged past 3,500 cases, becoming the second-largest ever, with containment hampered by contact-tracing gaps and insecurity. Tech-Adjacent Conservation: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as a World Heritage site, boosting global visibility for the Great Nile migration ecosystem.

Digital Skills Push: Central Equatoria launches the five-year DISK programme, setting up three digital skills centres in Juba and Yei to train 8,000+ youth, women, civil servants and entrepreneurs. Telecom Policy: South Sudan’s regulator approves a second mobile tariff hike, following consultations with operators and stakeholders. Industrial Supply for Oil & Water: Tello General Trading officially begins operations in Juba, aiming to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment and pest control. Health & Mobility in the Region: India reports screening 10,974 passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, including South Sudan, as the WHO flags the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Ebola Watch (DRC): The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo hits 3,532 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths, now the second-largest on record, with response hampered by contact-tracing gaps and insecurity. Heritage & Conservation: UNESCO inscribes South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as a World Heritage site, spotlighting the Great Nile Migration ecosystem. Mobile Network Support: MTN Uganda extends its Y’ello Storm campaign to Gulu, donating mattresses, protective covers and mosquito nets to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has surged past 3,500 confirmed cases and 1,500 deaths, now the world’s second-largest recorded Ebola event, with response hampered by weak contact tracing and strained treatment capacity. South Sudan in the Mix (Health Screening): India says it has screened 10,974 international arrivals from Ebola-affected countries, including South Sudan, with no cases reported in India so far. UNESCO Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been added to the World Heritage List, spotlighting a major Great Nile migration corridor. Digital Skills (Central Equatoria): Central Equatoria launches a five-year DISK programme to train over 8,000 people through digital skills centres in Juba and Yei. Telecoms (Tariff Approval): South Sudan’s NCA approved a second phase of telecommunications tariff exchange rate adjustments for major mobile operators. Energy & Industry: A South Sudan regulator approved a second mobile tariff hike, while an industrial chemical supplier officially began operations in Juba to support oil production, mining, water treatment, and pest control.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past the 3,500-case mark, with 1,556 deaths reported and the epidemic now the world’s second-largest on record—while contact tracing is falling short because many new cases are coming from transmission chains that never get tracked. UNESCO Heritage Boost for South Sudan: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been added to the World Heritage List, spotlighting the Boma and Badingilo parks and the wildlife corridors behind the Great Nile Migration. Digital Skills Push: Central Equatoria plans a five-year DISK programme to set up three digital skills centres in Juba and Yei, training over 8,000 youth, women, civil servants and entrepreneurs. Telecom Costs Update: South Sudan’s regulator approved a second mobile tariff hike after consultations with operators and stakeholders. Industrial Chemistry for Growth: Tello General Trading has launched operations in Juba to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment and pest control. Health Watch for IDPs: Central Equatoria’s health ministry is urging support for Kajo-keji IDPs to prevent disease outbreaks amid displacement.

Mobile Connectivity & Regulation: South Sudan’s telecom regulator has approved a second mobile tariff hike, effective 26 July, after consultations with operators, civil society, and government institutions—Digitel, MTN, and Zain say the decision is final. Digital Skills for Jobs: Central Equatoria launched plans for a five-year Digital Innovation for Skills and Knowledge (DISK) programme, aiming to train 8,000+ people through three digital skills centres in Juba and Yei, with a focus on youth, women, civil servants, and entrepreneurs. Industrial Supply for Oil & Water: Tello General Trading Company has officially started operations in Juba to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment, and pest control, with officials urging the firm to move from importing toward local manufacturing. Health Security at IDP Sites: Central Equatoria’s health ministry is calling for support to help Kajo-keji County IDPs reduce pandemic and disease risks, citing overcrowding, malnutrition, and disrupted services. Ebola Watch (Regional Spillover): India reports no Ebola cases detected at home so far after screening thousands of arrivals from Ebola-affected countries including South Sudan, while the wider region continues to track the fast-moving DRC outbreak. Governance & Elections Debate: Commentary argues South Sudan is at a crossroads on December elections versus endless transition, with critics pointing to unimplemented peace provisions and constrained civic space.

Digital Skills for Central Equatoria: Central Equatoria State launched the 5-year DISK programme to set up three digital skills centres in Juba and Yei, training 8,000+ youth, women, civil servants and entrepreneurs to close the state’s digital literacy gap. Industrial Chemicals for Growth: Tello General Trading Company officially opened in Juba to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment and pest control—pushing for longer-term local manufacturing to strengthen supply chains. Ebola Vaccine Science (Sudan strain): Scientists reported fast-moving progress on Sudan-strain Ebola vaccine candidates, including Oxford’s adenovirus-vectored option and Moderna’s mRNA approach, as Africa prepares for future outbreaks. Ebola Response Pressure (DRC): The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo continues to surge, with deaths and cases climbing fast and response efforts strained by insecurity and community mistrust. Ebola Update (Uganda): Uganda declared itself Ebola-free after completing surveillance with no new cases, while the outbreak accelerates across the border in DR Congo. Leishmaniasis Treatment (Kala-azar): WHO endorsed updated, shorter treatment guidelines for kala-azar, with trials involving partners across the region including South Sudan—Kenya moves to update its national guidelines. Heritage & Tech Learning: UNESCO expanded World Heritage listings, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, while the Library of Congress fellowship highlighted archiving and cultural preservation skills for students. STEM Expansion Story: Engineer Mark Gelfand’s STEMpower continues scaling STEM schools across Africa, linking training with agricultural and community development.

Industrial Chemistry in Juba: Tello General Trading Company Limited has officially launched operations in South Sudan, aiming to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment, and pest control—an effort officials say is overdue for the country’s growing petroleum and municipal needs. Public Health for IDPs: Central Equatoria’s health ministry is urging partners and the national government to support Kajo-keji IDPs, warning of high risks of pandemics and disease amid overcrowding, poor water, and disrupted care. Human Rights in Western Equatoria: Human Rights Watch reports abuses by South Sudan’s army, opposition forces, and allied militias during 2025 fighting in Nagero County, calling for suspending implicated commanders and restoring safe humanitarian access. Ebola Watch in the Region: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free after a 42-day surveillance period, while the DRC’s Bundibugyo outbreak keeps accelerating past 3,200 cases and 1,400 deaths—highlighting how quickly cross-border risk can return. UNESCO & South Sudan’s Nature Heritage: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Busan added 25 sites and expanded listings, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape—bringing fresh attention to conservation and heritage protection. Local STEM/Innovation Signals: A Kenya-led WHO-backed update to kala-azar treatment guidelines includes trials that also involved South Sudan, pointing to regional research links that can speed up neglected disease care.

Ebola Tech & Health Response: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with Ituri still driving nearly 90% of infections; officials cite faster detection and expanded testing, while strained treatment capacity and healthcare worker strikes threaten care and contact tracing. Vaccine & Treatment Pipeline: With no approved vaccine or treatment yet for this strain, Oxford University has begun a human vaccine effort for Bundibugyo, and NanoViricides says it has filed for regulatory approval in DRC to start a Phase II trial of NV-387 oral gummies. Regional Public Health Link: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free after completing surveillance, but the cross-border risk remains as Congo’s outbreak accelerates. Local Health Support in South Sudan: Central Equatoria’s health ministry is urging partners to back Kajo-keji IDPs with screening and prevention to reduce pandemic and disease risks amid overcrowding and disrupted services. Data for Better Decisions: Afrobarometer highlighted how citizen-generated data can strengthen evidence-based policy, sharing lessons from a hands-on workshop at the 2026 Africa Evidence Summit in Addis Ababa. UNESCO Heritage (South Sudan in the spotlight): UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee added 25 new sites in Busan, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, expanding attention to conservation and protection needs. EAC Monetary Integration: East African central bank governors met in Kampala to fast-track reforms toward a single regional currency by 2031, including South Sudan’s participation.

Kala-azar Treatment Update: Kenya is moving to revise its national kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) guidelines after WHO endorsed shorter, safer regimens, including an oral medicine for the first time in the region, based on trials involving Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. UNESCO World Heritage (South Sudan Included): UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites and expanded listings, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, while also highlighting stronger international cooperation to protect heritage amid conflict and climate stress. Ebola Surge in the Region: DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has crossed 3,200 confirmed cases and about 1,405 deaths, with Uganda declaring itself Ebola-free while the virus continues spreading across the border, raising urgent needs for faster response, testing, and healthcare capacity. IDP Health Call in Central Equatoria: Central Equatoria’s health ministry urged partners and the national government to support Kajo-keji IDPs, warning of high risks of pandemics and disease due to overcrowding, disrupted care, and limited clean water. Regional Tech & Policy Finance: East African central bank governors met in Kampala to fast-track reforms toward a single regional currency by 2031, including South Sudan’s participation in the convergence push. Human Rights & Safety: Human Rights Watch reported abuses by forces and allied militias in Western Equatoria’s Nagero County during 2025 fighting, calling for accountability and safe humanitarian access.

Ebola Watch (DRC-Uganda): Uganda has declared itself officially Ebola-free after completing 42 days of surveillance with no new cases, but the virus is still surging in neighbouring DR Congo, where confirmed Bundibugyo cases have crossed 3,200 and deaths are near 1,405, with WHO warning the real toll may be much higher. Vaccine & Drug Pipeline: Oxford University has started a human vaccine effort for the Bundibugyo strain, while NanoViricides says it has filed for approval to begin a Phase II trial of oral NV-387 gummies in DR Congo after securing financing—an approach aimed at easier rollout in resource-limited settings. Health System Strain: Reports highlight response disruptions as healthcare workers strike over unpaid wages and labs face shortages, complicating surveillance, testing, and contact tracing. Local Skills & Jobs (Abyei): In South Sudan’s Abyei, 600+ women and youth graduated from vocational training—tailoring, handicrafts, and mechanical repair—supported by UN partners to boost self-reliance. Regional Tech/Innovation (East Africa): 13 East African researchers completed a bio-entrepreneurship boot camp to turn lab ideas into investor-ready ventures for agriculture, public health, and green manufacturing.

Ebola Response in the Region: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,200 confirmed cases and about 1,405 deaths, with nearly 90% of cases concentrated in Ituri near South Sudan and Uganda; health teams report contact tracing reaching about 77.8%, while strikes over unpaid wages have disrupted care and isolation at the outbreak’s epicenter. Vaccine and Testing Push: The UK’s regulator has approved a first human trial for a vaccine tailored to the rare Bundibugyo strain, as WHO updates show rapid case growth and ongoing lab testing and surveillance. Uganda Declares It Ebola-Free: Uganda says it has ended its own Ebola outbreak after no new cases since June 22, even as DRC deaths keep climbing. Public Health Guidance for Travelers: CDC interim guidance outlines how health departments should assess and manage travelers arriving from affected areas, emphasizing post-arrival checks rather than blanket quarantine. Regional Tech and Health Capacity: Uganda Virus Research Institute marks 90 years, highlighting Africa’s push toward stronger diagnostics, vaccines, and outbreak response. South Sudan Tech Angle: South Sudan MP Michael Ayuen Johnson Chuti was recognized in London for leadership and innovation, while local skills training in Abyei continues to graduate women and youth into tailoring, handicrafts, and vehicle repair.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO added new sites to its World Heritage List during the 48th session in Busan, including South Sudan-linked entries and other major landmarks like Greece’s Mount Olympus and France’s D-Day beaches—protection now comes with international obligations. Ebola Tech & Health Response: The DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak surged to about 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with most infections in Ituri near South Sudan and Uganda; response is being strained by healthcare worker strikes, lab kit shortages, and the lack of an approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, even as Oxford reports an experimental vaccine for volunteers. South Sudan Digital & Higher Education: South Sudan’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology pledged to tackle high taxation and slow accreditation for private universities, aiming to improve access and quality. Energy & Water for Resilience: A new African Development Fund grant backs climate-smart agriculture and solar-powered water systems in Ethiopia and South Sudan, training farmers and youth while boosting water security. Local Skills for Jobs: In Abyei, over 600 women and youth graduated from vocational training in tailoring, handicrafts, mechanical engineering, and vehicle repair through UN and government partnerships. Security & Elections: A report flags illicit arms flows as a major risk to South Sudan’s December elections, warning that external destabilization could derail a fragile transition.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has surged to about 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 deaths, with nearly 90% of infections in Ituri near the borders with South Sudan and Uganda. Health workers at Bunia’s Elikya Ebola Treatment Center reportedly walked off the job over unpaid wages, while officials warn the real caseload may be higher due to gaps in detection and reporting. Vaccine & Response (Health Tech): Oxford University says the first volunteer received an experimental vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain, as labs face shortages of testing supplies and response teams struggle with access and contact tracing. Local Skills & Jobs (Abyei): In Abyei, 600+ women and youth graduated from vocational training—tailoring, handicrafts, and mechanical repair—through UNISFA and partners, aiming to boost self-reliance. South Sudan Higher Education: The Higher Education Minister pledged to tackle tax and accreditation hurdles affecting private universities, pushing for a more enabling environment for expansion. Water & Climate Resilience (Regional Tech): A new AfDB/Fund grant backs solar water systems and climate-smart farming training for communities in Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Ebola Response Under Strain: DRC and Africa CDC say they can’t reliably track new Ebola cases as the outbreak spreads into Uganda; contact tracing coverage has fallen to 56.5% and WHO reports major labs in South and North Kivu running out of testing kits, while deaths now exceed 1,000 and the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment. Local Skills for Livelihoods: In Abyei, 600+ women and youth graduated from vocational training—tailoring and handicrafts for women, plus mechanical engineering and vehicle repair for young men—aimed at jobs and self-reliance. South Sudan Higher Education Policy: The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology says he will tackle high taxation and slow accreditation for private universities to improve access and expansion. Youth and Peace Agenda: A Juba youth forum calls for full implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, stronger youth representation in governance, and creation of a Youth Enterprise Development Fund ahead of December elections. Oil Sector Capacity: A Juba roundtable reviews local content implementation constraints in South Sudan’s oil and gas sector, pushing for reforms to expand local jobs and business opportunities. Regional Tech & Health Funding: The African Development Fund approved a $9.3M grant for climate resilience, water security, and climate-smart agriculture in Ethiopia and South Sudan, including solar water systems and training for farmers.